Active research projects
Cognitive Reserve and Healthy Aging
During the last few of years, I have been focusing my research on Healthy Aging. The concept of Cognitive reserve particularly interests me since it has the potentials for several applications linked to healthy aging, both for the clinical population and for the healthy aging population. I started by focusing on different ways of assessing the cognitive reserve. The existing questionnaires appear to be lacking some important elements; for this reason, I have been using indirect approaches (based on Discourse Analysis) as well as developing a new questionnaire to assess the Cognitive Reserve in an easier but reliable way (CoRe-T). I am currently expanding this line of research by exploring the protective role of the Cognitive Reserve regarding mental health (anxiety, depression and PTSD), chronic pain and sleep disorders. Featured publications on this topic
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The role of brain stimulation to promote empowerment and neurorehabilitation
Using neuromodulation (tDCS), we have been designing a set of experiments aimed at exploring potentialities for using noninvasive brain stimulation to promote rehabilitation of cognitive and emotional functions in different populations, ranging from Alzheimer's patients, to young adults with ADHD, and involving empowerment for healthy adults. Featured publications on this topic
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Behavioral and emotional factors linked to physical and emotional health
My interest in individual differences at cognitive and emotional levels converged in a line of publications that explicitly address the role of these individual variables plays in promoting physical and mental health as well as reducing health-disparities. My most recent interest within this line of research focuses on the trust relationship between patients and doctors. The first step was a general analysis of the factors that affect this relationship. We are moving forward with this line of research, carrying on cross-cultural comparisons, and dyadic analysis focused on the care=partners trust,. We are also designing an app to assess and increase medical trust. Finally, we are also planning a research collaboration to explore factors that affect health inequalities within the LGBTQ+ population in New England. My specific focus of interest will be exploring a possible mediating role of cognitive reserve proxies. Featured publications on this topic
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If you are interested in our research projects feel free to get in touch!